1. Divisions within the Islamic faith
Sunni or Shia?
Divisions within the Islamic faith

2. Religious vs. Ethnic Religious Group Ethnic Group
Shares same belief system in a god or gods.
People from the different ethnic groups can share the same religion.
Ethnic Group
Shares the same cultural ideas and beliefs.
Characteristics can include: language, religion, or history

3. 632 CE in Medina, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad’s Death
632 CE in Medina, Saudi Arabia

4. CALIPH
Title of ruler
Duty to spread God’s rule. Also referred to as an IMAM.

5. THEOCRACY A government ruled by a religious leader.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
IRAN

6. BREAKING UP…
Disagreement over the new CALIPH (after Muhammad’s death)

7. SUNNIS BELIEVE… The CALIPH should be chosen by the people Orthodox
Follow the Sunna, traditional portion of Islamic law that follows Muhammad’s words and acts

8. SHIA(SHI’ITE) BELIEVE…
The CALIPH should be a descendent of Muhammad.
Rejected the first 3 Caliphs and believed Ali was the first true successor

9. POLITICAL NOT RELIGIOUS
DIFFERENCES ARE-
POLITICAL NOT RELIGIOUS

10. Separation of Church and State…
does NOT exist in many Middle East countries.
The religion is the government (Iran)

11. Sunni’s- 90% of Islam followers (majority)
Shi’ites – found in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.